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To test the MasterKeys S and L, I used both keyboards for a period of one week. During this time, I used them to play games, write reviews and for general desktop use as well.
Given both keyboards are software-free, I will start with build quality. This is usually a strong area for Cooler Master as I have previously reviewed a couple of their boards which are absolutely rock-solid. With these MasterKeys (non-Pro) boards, that trend definitely holds true here as both models are built like tanks. I did compare the new boards to the MasterKeys Pro S White LED model by flexing all 3 boards at their edges and there is perhaps just slightly more give to the newer models, but that could just be my imagination.
In any case, built quality is excellent thanks to the use of an internal metal frame, so I cannot imagine you will have issues with it breaking any time soon. In my opinion, this is definitely an area where Cooler Master has the edge over the competition.
One area where the new boards have actually improved on the MasterKeys Pro series, though, is the keycap material. Cooler Master has used PBT caps for the MasterKeys S and L, and these are widely regarded as being more durable and generally superior to ABS caps. They are not double-shot, but they should still last you a long time. They are also extra-thick at 1.5mm, too, and they definitely feel very rigid.
Elsewhere, the MasterKeys S and L boards do inherit a few other features that we have previously seen from MasterKeys Pro boards. For example, macro recording remains the same: users first need to press Fn+F11 to begin the process. Next, choose which key you wish to map the macro to, and then the macro can be recorded. Fn+Esc ends the process – so all-in-all, it is very easy to record a macro despite there being no software.
On-top of that, using the F5-F8 keys sets the repeat rate, and you can choose from 1x, 2x, 4x and 8x options. I would imagine this would be most useful for MOBA players, but it is not a function I use myself.
Now, let's talk about switches. My press sample arrived with Cherry MX Green switches, which are super-heavy and quite slow due to their 80g actuation force requirement. I did enjoy using them for typing (after a brief adjustment period) but these are clearly not gaming switches as they are just so slow and cumbersome. Would you believe Green switches actually make Blues feel fast!
The good news is the MasterKeys boards will come to the UK retail channel with MX Brown switches, which are much faster with a 45g actuation force requirement while they are also tactile but not ‘clicky'. I do think Cooler Master should bring a bigger variety of switches, though, as some people will probably want to use MX Reds or Blues, not just Browns.
Lastly, it is worth reiterating again that these two boards do not have a backlight of any kind. Personally, this does not bother me a huge amount (though I do prefer a backlight), but obviously it is up to you whether or not this is an issue.
Other than that, there is not too much to say. These are clearly simple mechanical keyboards designed to ‘just work' but still keep the quality feel we have come to expect from Cooler Master.
So is the judgment of 7 stars based solely on the price (which I agree, is way too much for what you get)? Because from what I now understand, they are perfect in what they are designed to to: no-nonsense solid mechanical keyboard. Particularly their brown switches makes them very interesting for people like my who primarily want a typing keyboard, but not annoy their office mates. In that case, less is a lot more.
Yes – if the price was right, these would score much higher. As it is, these are a tough sell considering the MasterKeys Pro equivalents can be found for the same or less money.